Parkinson’s disease is a brain disorder that is caused by an unexplained destruction of nerve cells. As a result, the remaining nerve cells cannot produce enough of the brain chemical called dopamine. Without sufficient amounts of dopamine, the nerves cannot send signals to the body that allow for movement.

These individuals then suffers from involuntary movements, such as tremors, or impaired movement, which can cause difficulty with walking or even something as simple as turning a doorknob.There is currently no cure for Parkinson’s disease, and the symptoms progress over time. In the most advanced stages, a Parkinson’s patient may be bedridden.Fortunately, research is also progressing, and while a cure remains elusive, there are numerous treatments that help patients to manage the symptoms of the disease.Most patients with Parkinson’s take at least one prescription drug, and most of these drugs work by increasing the amount of dopamine in the brain. The most common medications are:LevodopaSelegilinePramipexoleAmantadineEntacaponeBesides medications, there are a number of treatments that have brought some patients a degree of relief from their symptoms. Studies are ongoing to not only find a cure, but to find more effective ways of reducing or controlling the symptoms so that Parkinson’s patients can enjoy a better quality of life.